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Kent first team coach Simon Willis has hinted the club’s new overseas player will be a bowler.

Following the departure of Yasir Arafat at the end of last season, the county are still in the hunt for a replacement for the Pakistan all-rounder. Arafat ended his two year tenure at the St Lawrence Ground, with a return to Pro40 Division One champions Sussex.

Despite the club announcing last month that they expect financial results for next year to be very disappointing, one addition has already been made to the playing staff for 2009.

Left arm spinner Rob Ferley returns on a two-year contract, following a two year spell with Nottinghamshire. The 26 year old struggled to force his way permanently into the Trent Bridge first eleven, facing stiff competition from England spinners Graeme Swann and Samit Patel.

Asked if Ferley’s arrival would pave the way for more new faces, Willis said: “people are fully aware of the club’s financial position at the moment so there’s still a bit of work going on in that area.

“Once we know where we’re at and the money we’ve got to spend, then we can go out and act accordingly.”

He added: “there’s still a little water left to flow under the bridge, but obviously our number one target remains an overseas player.”

Their choice might be limited by busy international schedules, including the Indian Premier League, due to start again in April: “we’ve got to look at those fixture lists and see who’s a best fit, but I imagine we’ll be going down the bowling route at this stage,” added Willis.

He also confirmed the squad will not be embarking on a pre-season tour in the new year due to financial constraints. However, James Tredwell and Rob Ferley will be heading to Bangalore in India for a 10-day training camp during February and March.